Rabbits are very cute and can make you want to be a pet.Even with their floppy ears, twitching noses, and cute faces, rabbits require a high level of care.Taking the time to make a well-informed decision to buy and care for a rabbit will help your rabbit live a long and happy life.
Step 1: Don't buy your rabbit from a store.
Mass-breeding facilities tend to be more focused on turning a profit than providing a healthy environment in which to breed and raise animals.The stress of living in a pet store may cause young rabbits to have problems with their gut.Ask the staff at the pet store where the animals come from.You should not buy a rabbit from a pet store if you don't know where the rabbits came from.
Step 2: Purchase your rabbit through a rescue group.
The staff at an animal shelter or rescue group is more knowledgeable about rabbit care than their counterparts at a pet store.rabbits are better socialized at an animal shelter or rescue group than a pet store.Before buying a rabbit, you should visit the shelter or rescue group.Questions about how the organization cares for its rabbits, how rabbits are determined to be adoptable, the process of adopting a rabbit, and what post-adoption care is available should be asked.Rescue groups often partner with animal shelters to find good homes for rabbits.If you don't know where to look for animal shelters or rabbit rescue groups in your area, visit the websitespetfinder.com andrabbit.org.Private rabbit adoption agencies can be used to find a rabbit.Rabbits from shelters are usually cheaper than rabbits from pet shops since they're usually desexed, vaccinations, wormed and microchipped.They might cost more at the shelter, but in the long run it will be cheaper to buy them there since desexing, microchipping, vaccinating and worming rabbits can cost hundreds of dollars.
Step 3: There is a rabbit for sale.
You can buy your rabbit from a rabbit breeder.Not all rabbit breeders are knowledgeable about proper breeding practices or provide proper rabbit care.It is possible that some breeders are trying to make money on the side.A good rabbit breeder should be motivated by a genuine love for what they do, not solely by profit.They should be willing to give information about rabbits.Customers should be checked to see if they can look after rabbits.Take a close look at the breeding facility when you visit the breeder.The rabbits should be happy and healthy.Ask the breeder if he or she has breeding and genetics records.You should be able to get references of other people who have purchased rabbits from a reliable breeder.He or she should have a good relationship with a vet.If you are interested in a particular breeder, make sure that he or she gives you a written health guarantee.Before buying a rabbit, the breeder should give you time to read through the guarantee and understand it.
Step 4: The rabbit needs to be checked for signs of illness.
It is a good idea to check the rabbit for signs of illness even if it is likely to be healthy.If the rabbit has trouble breathing, he may have a respiratory infection.If the rabbit tilts his head, he may have an ear problem.If you don't know how to examine the rabbit, you can ask the breeder, animal shelter staff, or an exotic vet for a physical exam.They can show you the signs of illness.Ask about how the rabbit will be treated if it appears to be ill.
Step 5: When is a good time to buy a rabbit?
A rabbit should not be purchased until it is at least eight weeks old.The rabbit will be able to eat solid food by this age, as he will no longer be dependent on his mother.If you buy a rabbit from a store that sells rabbits that are less than eight weeks old, this could be a sign of unethical breeding practices.
Step 6: If you want to buy more than one rabbit, consider it.
Rabbits can get lonely without a mate.It is not as simple as buying two rabbits at a time.Rabbits can be picky about their mates, so you need to think about owning multiple rabbits.Same-sex pairs can work as well as male-female pairs.Two females should be okay, but two males will usually fight.Before you put the rabbits together, make sure they are neutered or sterized.Intact rabbits can display aggressive behavior towards their mates, as well as develop a destructive chewing habit, due to sexual frustration.Setting up a neutral area for the two rabbits to meet may be helpful.rabbits can interact with each other in a separate room.This will help you decide if the pair will work.
Step 7: Purchase the first supplies.
In order to live a happy and healthy life at home, your rabbit will need a number of supplies.You can buy a large multi-level enclosure at your local pet store.You will need a water bottle, food dishes, a litter box, and chew toys.You will need to buy bedding to line the bottom of the enclosure.If you want to clean your rabbit's cage, you need a litter scoop and Disinfectant.A nest box is needed for your rabbit to sleep and rest.If you want to feed your rabbit, you should purchase fresh pellets and hay from the pet store.The staff at your local pet store can help you purchase all of the necessary supplies for your rabbit.
Step 8: You can calculate the costs of owning a rabbit.
The costs of owning a rabbit can add up quickly.Initial costs can be as low as $300 and as high as $400, and long-term care can cost as much as 1000 a year.To determine if you can afford to care for a rabbit, analyze your budget.Initial costs include housing, food dishes, electrical cord protectors, and a litter box.Fresh vegetables, hay, and litter are ongoing costs.The cost of care can be increased by incidents, such as veterinary care and furniture.
Step 9: Do you have the time to own a rabbit?
It can be difficult to have a pet rabbit.You would need to feed your rabbit twice a day, clean his cage once a week, and tidy it once daily.You would need to give your rabbit daily mental stimulation.It would take at least an hour per day for your rabbit to play outside of his cage.Pets can live up to 10 years.Do you want to care for a rabbit for 10 years?
Step 10: You can learn about rabbit temperaments.
Similar to other animals, rabbits have different temperaments.Some may enjoy being held, and others may not, so they will hurt themselves trying to escape.Some rabbits like being petted, and others don't like human interaction.If you are aware of these temperaments, you can determine if a pet rabbit is right for you.A rabbit's personality can be influenced by how it has been socialized.If you have young children, rabbits may not be a good choice since rabbits don't like being held and cuddled.
Step 11: Decide what breed of rabbit you want.
There are nearly 50 rabbit breeds in the United States.It would take a lot of time to research all of the breeds.Some breeds make good pets and others are better suited for shows or breeding.The Lionhead rabbit, the English lop, and the Dutch rabbit are popular pet rabbit breeds.The rabbit breeds that are recognized in the United States can be found on the website https://www.arba.net/breeds.htm.Talk with rabbit owners, exotic veterinarians, or rabbit breeders to get additional guidance on choosing a pet rabbit breed.
Step 12: Determine what age rabbit you want.
As cute as they are, baby rabbits like to chew.The chewing action helps them strengthen their jaw muscles and learn about their environment, but can mean destruction if you don't keep an eye on them.The time it takes for the rabbit to bond with you could be shortened by the fact that baby rabbits don't like being held for very long.The rabbits are three months old and can get bored easily.If you want a teenage rabbit, make sure you have enough toys and time to play.Adult rabbits are more likely to be held if they are neutered or spayed.If you have young children, adult rabbits are suitable.
Step 13: Do you want a male or female rabbit?
Males and females tend to be aggressive before being neutered.Although the choice is yours, it may be less important to choose a sex than to make sure the rabbit is neutered before you buy it.
Step 14: Do you know if anyone in your household has an allergy to rabbits?
People can be allergic to hay that rabbits eat.A rabbit or hay allergy can be determined by an allergist.If an allergy is found, look for a different type of animal to own.One of the reasons rabbits end up in shelters is that the owner is allergic to rabbits or hay.Having to give your rabbit to an animal shelter or rescue group can be difficult if you don't know your allergies.